Executive Power: A Constitutional Analysis
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.To what extent does Article II of the Constitution define and limit the power of the President, and how has this balance of power evolved throughout U.S. history?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the qualifications for becoming President?
- How does the Electoral College work, and why was it established?
- What are the powers of the President as defined in Article II?
- How can a President be removed from office?
- How has the power of the presidency evolved over time?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to explain the qualifications for becoming President of the United States as defined in Article II of the Constitution.
- Students will be able to describe the process of presidential elections, including the Electoral College, and analyze the reasons for its establishment.
- Students will be able to identify and analyze the enumerated powers of the President as outlined in Article II of the Constitution.
- Students will be able to explain the impeachment process and the grounds for removing a President from office.
- Students will be able to evaluate how the power of the presidency has evolved throughout U.S. history, considering both constitutional provisions and historical precedents.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students'Impeachment Simulation: A Nation Divided'
Students are thrust into a mock impeachment trial, role-playing as members of Congress, the President, and legal counsel. A fictional scandal based on contemporary issues is presented, forcing students to grapple with the constitutional grounds for impeachment and the potential consequences for the nation.'Presidential Power Play: A Constitutional Crisis Escape Room'
An escape room scenario where students, acting as the President's advisory team, must navigate a fictional constitutional crisis by correctly interpreting Article II and advising the President on the limits of their power. Successfully solving the puzzles unlocks clues to 'resolve' the crisis, highlighting the balance and tensions within the executive branch.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Eligibility Expert: The Presidential Profile
Students will research and create a detailed profile outlining the eligibility requirements for becoming President of the United States, as specified in Article II of the Constitution. This activity focuses on the constitutional qualifications, such as age, citizenship, and residency.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive Presidential Profile document that clearly outlines and explains each eligibility requirement with historical context.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: 'Students will be able to explain the qualifications for becoming President of the United States as defined in Article II of the Constitution.'Electoral College Navigator: Mapping the Path to the Presidency
Students will investigate the Electoral College system, its historical origins, and its function in presidential elections. This activity requires students to understand the mechanics of the Electoral College and analyze its impact on election outcomes.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn Electoral College Navigator report that includes a visual aid explaining the system, a summary of its historical origins, and a balanced analysis of its pros and cons.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: 'Students will be able to describe the process of presidential elections, including the Electoral College, and analyze the reasons for its establishment.'Executive Power Decoder: Unpacking Presidential Authority
Students will dissect the enumerated powers of the President as listed in Article II of the Constitution. The focus will be on identifying, explaining, and providing examples of each power, such as commander-in-chief, treaty-making, and appointment powers.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn Executive Power Decoder handbook that lists and explains each enumerated power, along with real-world examples and analyses.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: 'Students will be able to identify and analyze the enumerated powers of the President as outlined in Article II of the Constitution.'Impeachment Investigator: Grounds for Removal
Students will delve into the impeachment process as outlined in the Constitution, focusing on the grounds for impeachment (treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors) and the roles of the House and Senate in the process.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn Impeachment Investigator report that outlines the impeachment process, analyzes historical examples, and discusses the interpretation of 'high crimes and misdemeanors'.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: 'Students will be able to explain the impeachment process and the grounds for removing a President from office.'Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioPresidential Profile Rubric: Article II Eligibility
Accuracy and Completeness of Eligibility Requirements
Demonstrates accurate and complete understanding of the constitutional requirements for presidential eligibility, including age, citizenship, and residency.Constitutional Requirements
Accuracy and completeness in identifying and explaining the age, citizenship, and residency requirements.
Exemplary
4 PointsAccurately and comprehensively identifies and explains all three eligibility requirements (age, citizenship, and residency) with no errors or omissions. Provides precise details and nuances of each requirement, showing mastery of the material.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately identifies and explains all three eligibility requirements, with only minor errors or omissions. Shows a solid understanding of the constitutional requirements.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies and explains at least two eligibility requirements accurately, but may have significant errors or omissions in the third. Demonstrates a basic understanding of the constitutional requirements but lacks detail.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to accurately identify and explain the eligibility requirements. Demonstrates limited understanding of the constitutional requirements and includes significant errors.
Historical Context and Interpretation
Provides relevant historical context for the inclusion of these qualifications by the framers and discusses any debates or controversies surrounding their interpretation.Framers' Intent and Historical Debates
Depth and relevance of historical context and discussion of controversies.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an insightful and comprehensive analysis of the historical context behind each eligibility requirement, thoroughly explaining the framers' intent and including detailed discussion of relevant historical debates or controversies with specific examples and diverse perspectives.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and accurate explanation of the historical context behind the eligibility requirements, including the framers' intent and some discussion of historical debates or controversies.
Developing
2 PointsProvides some historical context but lacks depth and detail. Mentions framers' intent and/or historical debates but does not fully explain them. The information may be superficial or generalized.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides minimal or inaccurate historical context. Fails to adequately explain the framers' intent or discuss relevant historical debates. Demonstrates a limited understanding of the historical significance of the eligibility requirements.
Clarity and Organization
The profile is clearly written, well-organized, and easy to understand.Presentation and Clarity
Quality of writing, organization, and overall presentation of the profile.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe profile is exceptionally well-written, logically organized, and presented in a highly professional manner. The information is clear, concise, and engaging, demonstrating excellent communication skills. Visual elements (if included) enhance understanding and add value to the presentation.
Proficient
3 PointsThe profile is clearly written and well-organized, with a logical flow of information. The presentation is neat and professional, making it easy to understand the content. Any visual elements included are relevant and contribute to the overall clarity.
Developing
2 PointsThe profile is understandable but may suffer from organizational issues or lack of clarity in writing. The presentation may be somewhat disorganized, making it challenging to follow the main points. Visual elements (if included) may be distracting or irrelevant.
Beginning
1 PointsThe profile is poorly written and disorganized, making it difficult to understand the information presented. The presentation lacks clarity and professionalism, hindering comprehension. Visual elements (if included) are poorly chosen or absent.